Modi Celebrates Diwali With Troops in Bastar, Declares Naxalism Defeated

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali on Sunday with security forces deployed in anti-Naxal operations in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. He visited the CoBRA operations base in Karanpur and paid tribute to fallen CRPF personnel at the camp memorial.

Security personnel danced to traditional tribal songs around the Prime Minister as chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" filled the air. Troops celebrated the Festival of Lights with Modi in a region once considered a major Naxal stronghold.

“You are all members of my family”

Modi said Diwali 2026 was particularly significant because every district in the country was now free from Naxalism. He stated that millions of citizens had overcome the fear associated with the Maoist insurgency.

The Prime Minister described security personnel guarding borders and protecting citizens as members of his family. He said he had come to spend Diwali with them and highlighted the significance of celebrating the festival with forces.

Modi warned that although armed Maoists have been eliminated, the threat is not over. He alleged that "dimagi Naxals" have infiltrated several organisations, including political parties, and are instigating people against the Constitution and democracy.

He said the elimination of Maoist terror was a victory of the country's right policies and strong political will. Modi added that his government had taken decisions that dealt a major blow to the funding networks of Naxalites and secessionists.

Earlier governments had tied the hands of security forces, according to Modi. He urged the nation to identify and defeat such elements to secure the country.